Top 10 winter walks in the East of England

Join us for a winter walk and enjoy landscapes at their seasonal best. It’s the perfect time of year to wrap up warm, lace up your boots and escape on an invigorating walk with friends and family.

Duncombe Terrace view in winter at Ashridge, Herts
Walking trail

Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire 

Ashridge is a great place to stretch your legs, and winter is one of the most scenic times of the year to do so. There are four waymarked trails as well as a number of downloadable trails to choose from. Here you'll be able to take in woodland, grassy hills and stunning views over three counties, which can be picture perfect on a frosty day.

Bridgewater Monument to Ivinghoe Beacon walk
Greylag
Walking trail

Blakeney Freshes, Norfolk 

This walk through Blakeney village and around Blakeney Freshes is fantastic for spotting wildlife, especially birds during the winter months. Keep an eye out for them on the grazing marshes and reed beds. This moderate walk means all the family can enjoy the fun.

Blakeney Freshes coastal walk
Blickling lake in winter
Walking trail

Blickling Estate, Norfolk 

The lake walk at Blickling is particularly atmospheric on a frosty winter’s morning, with the reflections and big open Norfolk skies providing plenty of opportunities for budding photographers. Afterwards you can head to Muddy Boots café for a warming drink and a slice of cake.

Blickling's lake walk
A frosty day on the downs
Walking trail

Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire 

Wrap up warm and be prepared to blow away the cobwebs with an exhilarating walk across the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside, where you can enjoy views of five counties. There's also a welcoming café, which is a perfect stop-off point for anyone exploring these popular chalk downs.

Dunstable Downs winter walk
Coastguard cottages with a frosty scene in the foreground
Walking trail

Dunwich Heath, Suffolk 

It's worth keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife whilst out enjoying a winter walk at Dunwich, as you might be lucky enough to spot red deer, the resident Dartford warblers or the spectacular sight of a starling murmuration overhead. Afterwards why not cosy up by the log burner in the Old Coastguard Cottages tea room?

Dunwich's Mount Pleasant Farm walk
A view of the River Stour in winter
Walking trail

Flatford, Suffolk 

Explore the picturesque Stour Valley and Dedham Vale made famous by the 18th-century paintings of John Constable, England’s foremost landscape artist of the time. Take a walk along the river and through the meadows, returning to the cosy tearoom for a warming treat and mug of hot chocolate.

Flatford and Constable Country walk
View of the pond and estate covered in frost

Ickworth, Suffolk 

The Monument Walk has the most to offer for a great winter walk at Ickworth. Explore a mixture of open parkland and woodland glades, and take in the church, Walled Garden and obelisk monument. After your walk you can treat yourself to a warming drink in the restaurant.

Ickworth, Suffolk
Walking in a snowy valley at Sheringham Park

Sheringham Park, Norfolk 

Coastal views are central to landscape gardener Humphry Reptons 1812 design, with the winter light often showing them off at their best at this time of year. Climb to the top of the gazebo tower perched on the top of the oak wood hill for a panoramic view of the Norfolk coastline.

Enjoy a walk around Sheringham Park
Nature trail sign by the boardwalk with windpump in background
Walking trail

Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire 

Wicken Fen is the place to enjoy spectacular winter landscapes, including the renowned sunsets in the vast fenland skies. Keep a look out for hen and marsh harriers, short-eared owls and Wicken’s herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies.

Wicken Fen wildlife walk
Wimpole Folly/Gothic Tower
Walking trail

Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire 

Wimpole has plenty of space to stretch your legs. Stride out across the park and meader your way to the iconic gothic folly or discover the woodland belts and wider countryside that surrounds this spectacular house.

Wimpole folly and woodland belt walk
Did you know...

When you brave the cold, it helps us protect the countryside

Thanks to you, when you join, donate, visit or volunteer, your support helps us to look after special places for ever, for everyone.